Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 7

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you’ve all had a lovely week.

It was inspiring to see all of our Year 7 students actively participate in the National Restart a Heart Day yesterday. Learning these vital life-saving skills is an important part of their personal development, and their engagement was absolutely wonderful.

Earlier in the week, it was a pleasure to welcome so many parents and carers for the Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening. These touch-base conversations with tutors, alongside the students, are so important for checking in on their start to life here at York High. Building that strong home-school partnership is key to their success, so thank you to all who attended.

We are very much looking forward to another productive few days next week before the October half-term holiday. Please remember that it is an extended holiday week for students, with school breaking up on Wednesday 22 October.

Classes will finish at the normal time on Wednesday, and we will welcome students back to school on Monday 3 November.

Have a restful and enjoyable break when it arrives.

Warm regards

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Year 10s visit Network Rail

I had the pleasure of taking 15 of my brilliant Year 10s to Network Rail last week. It was such a worthwhile trip – who knew there were so many opportunities and career paths in the rail industry! We had a tour of the building, which was impressive, followed by some activities, which included using VR headsets and witnessing some impressive welding skills. Every single one of our pupils did me and our school proud, and it was noted by the organisers at what a fantastic group they were!

Excellence Every Day Awards

We have had a bumper October with our Excellence Every Day reward winners.

Just this week alone we celebrated Excellence Every Day with Bobby, Evan, Amelia, Grace, Skye, Alicia, Bella, Betsy, Evie, Lexi, Aoife, Emily, Lucy P, Lucy S, Thomas, Ethan, Yun Hang, Hayla, Sophie, Maizy, Tally, Holly, Skylar, Ruby, Anitah and Jacob!

Well done everyone!

Restart a Heart Day

Yesterday, we welcomed providers from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Hull York Medical School, NHS England, BAM, and Nestle for our annual Year 8 Restart a Heart Learning Experience Day. As part of this, students learnt the valuable skill of CPR, as well as understanding more about the importance of hand-hygiene, emergency medicine, and information about a midwife’s role. Ben from BAM also introduced students to STEM-related careers and apprenticeship opportunities. 

It was brilliant to welcome back so many volunteers from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and visitors who have been in on previous Restart a Heart Days. Thank you to all who came into school to give our Year 8 pupils such a vivid insight into careers within medicine.

Science Club

Last night’s Science Club involved making parachutes and baskets for an egg which we then dropped off the atrium! Well done to Tiana, Avah, Tegan and Alyssia who all managed to build something which protected their eggs. 

Apprenticeship vacancies

York College is currently advertising a number of apprenticeship vacancies which can be seen here. Each vacancy has a hyperlink to the Apprenticeship Service website, where you will find full job details and where you can submit your application.

A note on closing dates: vacancies often close earlier than the stated date, so if you are interested, please make sure you apply as soon as you can.

You can also read the attached guidance on how to write a strong application to ensure the best chance of success.

SEN and Safeguarding news from Excel Learning Trust

Every half term, Sue Wight, Director of SEN and Safeguarding at Excel Learning Trust circulates tips and advice regarding SEN and safeguarding to parents/carers.

This half term’s SEN and Safeguarding newsletter can be found here.

Community Cupboard

Our school is committed to helping those in need through our community cupboard, ensuring that every student and family has access to essential food/household items. Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, as they help us continue to support the local community.

If you or someone you know needs any support, please contact Aimee a.stewart@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk or Emma e.masterman@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk, or pop into main reception.

All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.